Arancine Siciliane

INGREDIENTS
(8 arancine)

For the risotto: 1.2 litres chicken stock 1 small pinch of saffron strands 45 g unsalted butter 250 g risotto rice, such as arborio or carnaroli 1 egg yolk 25 g finely grated parmesan Salt and freshly ground black pepper.

For the filling: 75 g provolone piccante or mature gruyère cheese, cut into 5 mm dice 2 thin slices prosciutto, (air-dried ham, such as parma), cut into 1cm squares 100 g cooked peas 2 eggs, beaten 150 g dried white breadcrumbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil Trattoria Siciliana, for deep-frying

METHOD:
1. For the risotto: Bring the stock to the boil with the saffron, then leave over a low heat.

2. In a medium-sized pan, melt the butter, add the rice and cook gently for about 2 minutes until the rice begins to look translucent.

3. Add a ladleful of the hot stock to the rice and simmer, stirring constantly, until it has all been absorbed. Add another ladleful of stock and continue like this until the rice is tender and creamy but still a little al dente - this will take about 20-25 minutes.

4. Stir in the egg yolk and parmesan and season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. Spoon the risotto onto a shallow baking tray, press a sheet of clingfilm onto the surface and leave to go cold. Chill for 2 hours.

2. To form the arancini you need to divide the risotto mixture into 30g pieces by dampening your hands with water and shaping them one piece at a time. To do this, flatten the mixture on the palm of one hand and put 2 cubes of cheese, a couple of pieces of prosciutto and 4 cooked peas into the centre, then shape the rice around the filling into a ball, patching up any gap with a little more of the risotto mixture.

3. Heat some oil for deep-frying to 180°C. Dip the rice balls into the beaten egg and then the breadcrumbs and deep-fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper and serve immediately.